The arrival of Thanksgiving comes at the perfect time this year.
For me, Thanksgiving is the one holiday that is meant to bring families together, no matter how diverse, or how difficult being sociable may be. Coming out of an over-emotionally charged election and hearing psychiatrists tell people if they choose not to spend time with relatives who voted differently than them, it’s OK. If that is the case, we need a look back to when and why Thanksgiving became a national holiday.
President Abraham Lincoln issued the official national declaration in 1863 to help heal a country suffering from a Civil War. And the invitation to celebrate included ‘those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands.’ At that point in history, those words accounted for just about everyone, and in every situation, then and now.
How important is celebrating Thanksgiving with all the trimmings? Ask war veterans who ate their turkey and cranberries in a foxhole – and were thankful. Ask homeless people who can come in and enjoy all the trimmings because of generous support to charities and foundations who every year serve the less fortunate.
Ask me, and just like you, the happy memories of a day spent with family – the entire family – fall into the category of more than special. Good food, football in the yard, a walk in the woods, great stories from great-grandparents…and more good food.
The proper manner of celebrating this holiday is noted by author Chuck Swindoll who said, “It’s called Thanksgiving, remember, not Thankskeeping.” So, I am going to offer this advice: keeping those personal emotions under control and giving yourself priceless memories is the right choice. It is OK to not talk about politics, and those in Alabama probably should avoid discussing the Iron Bowl [which splits families with both Auburn and Alabama football ties more than any election.]
As an American, as a business owner, as a husband, father, brother, and son, the blessings abound, and for that, I thank God. I hope each and every one of you enjoy the holiday with family and friends. It is more than the Thanksgiving meal; it is that Thanksgiving feeling.